The position
The East Africa Cancer Care Project (EA-CCP) is a four-year, evidence-based initiative aimed at reducing cancer-related morbidity and mortality in Tanzania and Kenya. Implemented across six regions of Tanzania Dar es Salaam, Mwanza, Arusha, Kilimanjaro, Dodoma, and Zanzibar. The project is anchored by partnerships with leading hospitals, including In Dar es Salaam-Aga Khan Hospital (AKHD), ORCI, & Amana Regional Referral Hospital (ARRH); in Mwanza- Aga Khan Hospital Mwanza (AKHMz), Nyamagana District Hospital and BMC; in Arusha-Mt. Meru Regional Referral Hospital (MMRRH); in Kilimanjaro-Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC).
The EA-CCP targets both demand- and supply-side barriers to early cancer detection and treatment. Key interventions include strengthening oncology infrastructure, achieving service accreditation, expanding mobile cancer screening services to remote communities, and building the capacity of healthcare providers. These efforts are designed to improve access to high-quality cancer prevention and treatment services for approximately 7.4 million people across the region.
As part of this effort, the Social and Behavior Change Communication (SBCC) Project Officer will play a critical role in designing, implementing, and monitoring all SBCC strategies under the EA-CCP. Based in Dar es Salaam and overseeing activities across all six regions, the Officer will lead community centered campaigns, enhance demand for services such as HPV vaccination, and build the capacity of key influencers including journalists and community leaders to foster informed, sustainable behavior change.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the design, implementation, and evaluation of Social and Behavior Change Communication (SBCC) strategies and campaigns focused on cancer prevention and early detection.
- Ensure communication messages are culturally appropriate and tailored to the specific needs of target populations across all project regions.
- Coordinate the development and dissemination of Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials through various channels, including print media, radio, social media, and community theatre.
- Organize and facilitate capacity-building workshops for journalists to encourage accurate, engaging, and responsible reporting on cancer-related topics.
- Conduct training and orientation sessions for community leaders to strengthen grassroots mobilization and effective dissemination of project messages.
- Collaborate with local health authorities, educational institutions, and other stakeholders to support demand creation and community sensitization for HPV vaccination campaigns.
- Monitor community perceptions and attitudes toward cancer prevention efforts and provide strategic feedback to enhance vaccine acceptance and uptake.
- Establish and maintain close collaboration with government entities, NGOs, CSOs, and media organizations to align SBCC initiatives with national cancer control and immunization strategies.
- Represent the Aga Khan Foundation in relevant technical forums, stakeholder meetings, and advocacy platforms related to health communication.
- Contribute to the development of SBCC-related indicators, monitoring frameworks, and data collection tools to track program performance.
- Prepare and submit regular progress reports on SBCC interventions, highlighting achievements, gaps, and recommended adjustments.
- Document success stories, lessons learned, and best practices to support knowledge sharing and project learning
- Provide the Project Manager with regular updates on community-level implementation progress, including key successes, challenges encountered, and recommendations for improvement.
The requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in public health, Mass communication, Social Sciences, Development Studies, or a related field. Master’s degree is an added advantage.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in designing and implementing SBCC programs, preferably in health or development sectors.
- Demonstrated experience in training and capacity-building activities.
- Familiarity with HPV vaccination, cancer awareness, or broader immunization programs is highly desirable.
- Strong understanding of the Tanzanian media landscape and community structures.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and writing skills in English and Kiswahili.
- Willingness to travel to project regions as required
- Strong interpersonal and team building skills.
- Computer literate in MS Word, Excel and Power Point and other relevant applications
- Good knowledge and understanding of gender and social inclusion issues
- Good knowledge and understanding of child and community safeguarding issues
AKF Is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is Committed to Safeguarding and Promoting the Welfare of Children and Vulnerable Adults and Expects all Staff and Partners to Share this Commitment
Qualified female candidates are highly encouraged to apply
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted
Sector
Social Development
About the Agency
The Aga Khan Foundation is a leading global development organisation working to tackle the root causes of poverty. For more than 50 years, we have helped create strong community institutions that support sustainable, locally driven initiatives to improve the lives of millions of people. By combining local knowledge with global best practices, we strive to bring about transformative and long-lasting improvements to quality of life.
Working alongside the agencies of the Aga Khan Development Network and through partnerships with local communities, civil society and business as well as governments and international aid agencies, we are building a future where we all thrive together.
Region
Eastern Africa
Location
Tanzania
Salary
Salary and package to attract the best candidate
Job Expires
24-Jun-2025
How to Apply:
Job type Full-time Job, To submit your application, please follow the link provided below.
